also, we're following the last- minute negotiations to avoid the "fiscal cliff." that's required. is there going to be a deal today? we're all waiting and plus we'll take a look back at the biggest news stories:2012. we'll see you at 7: 00. happy new year. >> happy new year to you, too. thank you so much. >>> well, the last session of the year is under way on wall street. the dow has gained about 700 points in the last 12 months. ashley morrison of cbsmoneywatch.com joints us now. good morning. >> reporter: good morning. happy new year, everyone. strong manufacturing growth in china fueled most markets this morning. the shanghai composite gained more than 1.5% while hong kong's hang seng lost a fraction and tokyo's nikkei was closed for the holiday. >>> today is the last trading day of the year on wall street. investors are keeping a close eye on the "fiscal cliff" negotiations. with the deadline at midnight, let's head to wall street see where we stand as investors are watching closely to see what happens. as you can see the dow and the nasdaq are mixed at this point. the dow is